Pearls are still having a serious moment. I’ve talked a lot about modern pearl necklaces on the blog, but sometimes it’s good to go back to basics. A pearl necklace is the ultimate investment in your closet – what else can you wear with a basic white t-shirt and jeans or a cocktail dress?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re buying your first pearl necklace, especially with so many brands selling different styles and types of pearls at totally different price points. In this article, I’m giving you an overview of everything you need to know about buying a real pearl necklace.
Types of Pearls: Cultured, Saltwater, and Freshwater
When you’re shopping for a pearl necklace, you’ll come across 3 main types of pearls: cultured, freshwater, and saltwater pearls. Saltwater pearls are the most expensive and come from marine oysters, known for their perfect roundness and high luster.
Freshwater pearls are a more affordable alternative and come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes, from round ones to irregular pearls that have been trending in the last couple of years. At Cult of Sun, we use freshwater pearls in our collection. These are real pearls, not imitation.
Cultured pearls the natural pearls that have been grown in salt or fresh water with a little help from humans. These are not wild pearls, these type of pearls are normally grown in a pearl farms and therefore are much more affordable that the pearls that are grown in the wild. Freshwater pearls form when a tiny irritant - often a small bead or grain - is introduced into a mollusk and layers of nacre slowly build around it, with human cultivation techniques guiding and influencing the pearl’s eventual shape.These pearls are real pearls, just grown with some help from humans. You won’t be compromising on quality. These pearls are a perfect choice if you’re looking to add a more affordable pearl necklace to your collection.
Pro tip: You’re probably wondering, “How much is a pearl necklace worth?”. The cost of a pearl necklace will always depend on what type of pearls are used. A “perfect” pearl that is round and large in size will always cost more.
How to Care for Freshwater Pearls
A pearl necklace will last you for years with a little TLC. Pearls are super low maintenance. A pearl necklace is easy to care for, and even an affordable pearl choker can become an heirloom piece if it’s made using high-quality, non-tarnishing materials and real pealrs. You can spot clean your pearl necklace with a wet cloth, but make sure to avoid using any chemical sprays.
I always have a cleaning cloth in my beach bag to wipe down my jewelry after being in the water to keep it looking fresh and new. At Cult of Sun, our pearl necklaces are 18k gold-plated with a stainless steel base, meaning they’ll never tarnish or lose their color.
Trending Pearl Shapes
One of the biggest trends for pearl necklaces right now is irregular pearl shapes, like baroque, keshi, and coin. These pearl shapes feel more unique and fun, and have a ‘perfectly imperfect’ aesthetic that the fashion girlies and our favorite celebrities are jumping for, especially when styling a multi-layer pearl necklace. I love to style as statement pearl necklace, like our ‘Pearl Carabiner Necklace’, with gold chains for more casual outfits to give them an unexpected twist.
What to Consider When Buying a Real Pearl Necklace
Saltwater, freshwater, and cultured pearls are all real pearls and not imitations. These pearls won’t discolor and will last for years. However, you want to pay attention to more than just the pearls themselves. I prefer to stay away from gold-plated brass when I’m looking for a gold pearl necklace, as they’ll eventually tarnish and lose their color, especially if they come into contact with water.
If you want to buy a real pearl necklace on a budget, always look for a gold-plated necklace with stainless steel. It does not tarnish or corrode, and will literally last for years. Another important thing to avoid is cotton thread used for beading, as this is more likely to break in water than polyurethane wire.
Now you know exactly what to look for when shopping for a pearl necklace! Let me know which style you’re adding to your jewelry box in the comments below.
Want to learn more about the latest jewelry trends and styling? Check out these posts:
Gold necklaces for women: the ultimate 2026 investment piece
How to stack necklaces like a fashion girl
